Avoiding Breastfeeding Problems

“Breastfeeding is natural so why am I having so many problems,” laments many a new moms. 

Breastfeeding may be natural but it is a learned behavior for the mother and the baby; it is not totally instinctive. A new mom is faced with learning appropriate nursing positions and latch while their baby is learning to form the teat. Barring any contraindications, such as galactosemia or craniofacial abnormalities in the infant or breast augmentation that affects the milk ducts in the mom, breastfeeding is a viable and preferred feeding option for the first six months of life. The most successful breastfeeding moms are adept at latching the baby. These positions are helpful for new moms to remember:

• Tummy to mummy- the baby’s body is at the same height as the breast
• Nose to nip- the baby’s nose is at the same height as the nipple
• Flex the hips- the baby’s limbs are symmetrical
• Open the lips- the baby’s head extends back, allowing the widest possible gape of the mouth

With his or her jaw open, bring the baby to the breast, allowing the infant to latch. If the nipple needs additional support, use a small rolled towel under the breast to make the nipple visible, or use a pillow or boppy to support the infant. Additionally, ensure the infant’s lower lip is flanged against the breast and the angle of the infant’s jaw is 140 degrees. Look for movement of the infant’s jaw muscles not just the area next to the lips. The infant should suckle rapidly, initially eight sucks to one swallow, and then shift to a pattern of two sucks to one swallow. If the baby latches and does not maintain the seal, detach and use manual expression to release a few drops of milk so the baby can smell and lap. You should never force a newborn to the breast.

It is also important for new moms to remember that breastfeeding should not be painful! If you are experiencing pain, try a different breastfeeding position. Also, if your nipples remain sore, the temporary use of a nipple shield may relieve discomfort.

Perhaps the most common misconception about breastfeeding, however, is how often a newborn should nurse. On average, a newborn will nurse 10-12 times a day, many times clustering several feedings together. This is because nursing is a supply/demand phenomenon—the more you nurse, the more milk you produce. This is nature’s way to accommodate the growing infant’s needs. Issues of oversupply or undersupply should be addressed with your health care provider. Upon returning to work, continued breastfeeding is feasible. It is essential to make sure you have a hospital grade electric pump for milk expression as some moms find this easier than manual expression. Breast milk also can be stored and frozen.

The first month of your child’s life is a time for you and your baby to bond and learn each other’s cues. No one expects perfection. With proper positioning and a good support system in place, breastfeeding can be an enjoyable experience for you and your baby.

By Karen Diehl, CPNP, CLC
Esse Health Tesson Ferry Pediatrics
13303 Tesson Ferry Road, Suite 150
St. Louis, MO 63128
Phone: 314-842-5239